Netanyahu warns no one in Iran is off‑limits after hospital strike amid air war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited a hospital in Beersheba after it was hit by an Iranian missile, sending a strong message about Israel's response plans. According to Times of Israel reporting, Netanyahu made it clear that no Iranian leader is safe from Israeli strikes when asked about targeting Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Israeli leader said he gave instructions that no one in Iran is immune from attack and prefers to let actions speak for themselves rather than making public threats.

Netanyahu emphasized that during wartime, words must be chosen carefully and actions must be precise, which appeared to be a criticism of his own Defense Minister, who has been openly threatening Khamenei. The prime minister stated that all military options remain open but stressed it is better not to discuss specific plans with the media. He also mentioned that any US involvement in the conflict would be President Trump's decision, noting that Trump will do what is good for America, while Israel will do what is good for itself. The Times of Israel noted that Netanyahu confidently declared Israel has the ability to complete its entire mission alone if necessary.

The ongoing conflict has escalated significantly as both nations continue exchanging military strikes in what has become a dangerous standoff. Reuters coverage reveals that Israel's recent airstrikes are specifically designed to break the foundations of Khamenei's rule in Iran, targeting key infrastructure and leadership. Following the hospital attack in Beersheba, Netanyahu declared that Tehran's tyrants would pay the full price for their actions.

The conflict has now entered its seventh day with no signs of immediate de-escalation from either side. Israel has been methodically targeting Iranian facilities while Iran continues its missile attacks on Israeli territory. European foreign ministers are planning to meet with Iranian officials in Geneva on Friday to push for de-escalation and offer negotiations about rolling back Iran's nuclear activities. The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the potential for this conflict to spiral into a broader regional war. Reuters emphasized that the strikes represent a calculated attempt to destabilize Iran's leadership structure rather than simple retaliation.

President Trump has privately approved attack plans against Iran but is holding back to see if Tehran will abandon its nuclear program, according to Wall Street Journal sources familiar with the discussions. Trump told senior aides he may or may not decide to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, maintaining suspense about American military involvement while demanding Iran's unconditional surrender. The US has been building up military forces in the region with a third Navy destroyer entering the eastern Mediterranean Sea and a second carrier strike group heading toward the Arabian Sea. While the Pentagon describes this buildup as defensive, it positions America to potentially join Israeli attacks on Iran or pressure Tehran into making concessions.

Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei has responded defiantly, saying his country will not surrender and warning that any US military intervention would bring irreparable consequences. The death toll continues to rise, with over 639 people killed in Iran and 24 in Israel, according to human rights groups. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has struck 100 targets in Iran, including the heavy-water reactor in Arak and a nuclear weapons development site in Natanz, while Israel's airspace remains largely closed, with evacuation flights helping thousands of tourists leave the country.